First Buggy Crash

We all have memorable moments in our lives: birth of a child, loss of a dog, moving house, new job etc., all very traumatic in their own way. What about first buggy crash?
I must set the scene...
A ride out into Retford, Nottinghamshire, down by the river Idle, a winding river, lots of steep banks and horse-shoe bends. Miles and miles of country to roam. We (that's Murphy's predecessor - Spud and I were miles from anywhere and anybody... what's that - mushrooms? Quick about turn and reach down to pick them. Didn't realise the stability of a three wheel scooter was so critical - I lost it!
Rolled down the bank into the river, dog abandoned ship rapidly. I went into the river, the buggy ended up with the handlebars and seat sticking out of the water. My first thoughts were - oh bugger! I grabbed the bankside vegetation and pulled myself out of the water. This didn't look good, but was an improvement. The dog came back, he was enjoying the new words I was teaching him.
I crawled up the steep bank through very dense vegetation with the compulsory nettles and sat at the top of the bank to review the situation. A pipe of tobacco would help. Pipe and lighter sodden and useless, so started looking for help. Miles from anywhere, no-one to shout to and the nettles were beginning to get the upper hand.
Eventually a dog walker came to my rescue, she got help from some fishermen about to start a competition. They lifted the buggy and me out of danger, pushed me to a point accessible by vehicle, then took me to get my car. Then the crunch - they wanted to weight me in as part of their catch. 18 stones plus the buggy would be a great start!

I am just getting used to having my good lady around all the time. As part of her goodbye from her workmates she was given a rose in a pot. Quite a big thing, she was very pleased with it and put it on display by the front door. Some thieving flower snatcher took it this weekend. Planter, rose and all, she was not best pleased!

We've just had another wet spell, not conclusive for buggy trips, but we managed a few. Spotted another duck with freshly hatched chicks. Not a big clutch but five is a more manageable number. The ducks born earlier in the year are now the same size as mum and wonder around as if they own the place.

I watched the little grebe with its offspring, feeding it one minute then chasing it the next. A tough love situation unless it was adolescent lip.

With the nights pulling in, the bat spotting is much more convenient. We seem to be meeting many more. The last two days have seen a flash of blue down by the river. I am reliably informed that it is the kingfisher, by - does he move, but what an exotic flash.

The sun has just come out and my dog and buggy are calling me. Must be off.

See you

Buggy Man